Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 10

Learning from the Past (1 Corinthians 10:1-11)

Learning from the Past (1 Corinthians 10:1-11)

1 Corinthians 10:1-11

I. Idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:7)

    A. “No other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3); no carved images (Exo. 20:4) – both violated in the worship of the golden calf (Exo. 32:6)
    B. Modern idolatry: covetousness (Colossians 3:5-7)

II. Immorality (1 Corinthians 10:8)

    A. Harlotry with women of Moab (Numbers 25:1-9)
    B. Fornication was a serious issue in the first century church (1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:18) and remains so today

III. Insolence (1 Corinthians 10:9)

    A. Disrespect (Numbers 21:4-7)
    B. Our attitude toward suffering must be different (Job 13:15; Romans 8:28; James 1:2-3)

IV. Ingratitude (1 Corinthians 10:10)

    A. Complaining (Exodus 16:2-3; 17:3)
    B. How can we complain against God when we consider His “unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15), His mercy (Psalm 103:10), and “the inheritance incorruptible and undefiled” (1 Peter 1:35)?

Based in part on “A History of Wanderers” by Thomas H. Holland

Read the New Testament in a year, one chapter a day, five days a week

Day 186/260: Read 1 Corinthians 10

If we are no longer bound by the Old Testament and the Law of Moses, what use is it? Paul says, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” While it is profitable to learn from our own mistakes, it is wiser (and often less painful) to learn from the mistakes of others.

Paul makes reference to five specific sins that befell the children of Israel. First, the lust for evil things. Second, idolatry. Third, sexual immorality, Fourth, testing the Lord. Fifth, and perhaps the most difficult for many, complaining.

When is the last time you complained about something? You probably don’t have to think back very far. Especially since the advent of social media, complaining seems to be one of the most frequent shortcomings of humanity. What makes it even worse is when we complain about the blessings that God has given us. If we have food and clothing, we should be content (1 Timothy 6:8).

Sometimes it can be tough, but we can do it. God does not command us to do anything that is impossible. He does command, “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Philippians 2:14). Let’s try to obey Christ today in this matter.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

1 Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Pray

Pray for the humility to recognize God’s blessings and refrain from complaining about them.